Eight years after the first models (Onkyo W800BT) were marketed, wireless headphones have become an indispensable companion for smartphones. While Apple exploded the industry with its AirPods in 2016, other manufacturers quickly jumped into the breach. When it comes to ambush, Sony regularly performs well with its 1000X series models.
After years of development, the high-end “true wireless” headphones of 2023 have 1001 technologies and perform 1001 tasks: sound spatiality, high-resolution audio, ambient noise cancellation, voice commands, assistant (Alexa, Google), management phone calls, touch controls, etc .
Also choose according to your phone
Which one should I choose? Given the price (from €150), it’s best not to mess up. The choice is all the more delicate because certain references deliver remarkable but limited performance if not paired with the right family of phones (iPhone, Android).
As a guide, we provide you with the following information below The best 3 High-end wireless headphones identifying their main qualities and their glaring flaws.
1. Sony WF-1000XM5
Price : €299. Best paired with an Android smartphone.
The successors to the popular WF-1000XM4 are more compact (25%) and lighter (20%) than their predecessors. Above all, they improve autonomy, sound reproduction and active reduction of ambient noise.
Flawless is not far away. The regrets include: the cluttered and unintuitive mobile application, the sometimes capricious voice capture.
2. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Price : €279. Best paired with an iPhone.
The connection between iPhone and AirPods Pro seems obvious, as the headphones benefit from extensive integration into the Apple ecosystem. The sound reproduction and the reduction of ambient noise are excellent.
Adaptive Transparency allows you to keep an eye on certain ambient noises, such as road and traffic noises. The Cons: Autonomy, limited features via an Android phone.
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Price : 349€. Pair it with an iPhone or Android smartphone.
Bose is generally the best when it comes to isolating you from ambient noise. These new wireless headphones are no exception. Active noise cancellation is the best in this genre. The sound reproduction is correct.
Oddly enough, the quality of the calls honestly leaves a lot to be desired.
But also
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. Price : €259. The performance is close to that of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but at a significantly cheaper price.
- Google Pixel Buds Pro. Price : €229. Generous autonomy and lots of useful functions, provided you combine them with an Android smartphone.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2. Price : 179€. The overall performance is satisfactory. Some features are only unlocked when used with a OnePlus phone.